Bass instincts

There seems to be a party going on in Dave Morris's pants. Davage Thomas (left) and Justin Dwyer are excited.

When you can get so much out of a couple of basses, who needs lead and rhythm guitars? Tiffany Bakker talks to Pre-Shrunk.

You only had go to the recent Livid festival to see that the music scene is awash with bass-less bands - such as the White Stripes, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and the Liars.

But squaring things up bass-wise on the Brisbane leg of this year's travelling Livid circus was Melbourne trio Pre-Shrunk, who are fronted by the twin bass and vocal attack of Dave Morris and Davage Thomas, with Justin Dwyer on drums.

"I reckon nowadays any instrument can be pretty much any other instrument," Morris says.

"Bands like the White Stripes definitely get a bass sound without bass and we get all sorts of sounds through all our effects. Otherwise, we'd just sound like two bass players - and that's boring!

"It's all trickery and witchcraft, all smoke and mirrors. The whole thing's a CD. We don't play at all."

In reality, the band most certainly does play - at the last count, Morris reckons, they've notched up more than 1000 gigs since forming in Melbourne in 1996.

"We've done soooo many shows," Morris says. "I'd have to say that we are truly a live band."

Those punters who get to tonight's Annandale gig will get the chance to hear new material from the band.

"We love to try new stuff and sounds onstage," Morris says. "It makes it interesting for us and interesting for people who like us, as well.

"A lot of our new stuff is coming through jam sessions, which is totally different to how we've worked before. In the past, it's been a much more disjointed process, where we all worked individually. But this is working out really well."

Morris says fans should be prepared for Pre-Shrunk's return to funk and chilled tunes, and less of the techno sounds that marked earlier releases such as Digital Sunrise and this year's Bestseller album.

"We were like kids in a candy store ... and now we've gorged ourselves and all been ill," Morris says. "We love technology and use it at every turn, but next time we're going to use it more than just it using us.

"We always have the grandest ideas for records - string sections, a keyboard player, a gospel choir in the corner ... and then you wake up! In the end, you just get down to doing it yourself."

That DIY ethic has sustained the hard-working trio - especially in recent times, when a lack of live venues in this country has caused havoc for local touring bands.

"It's been a tough year, a hard winter," Morris says. "Everyone's been doing it tough, but you just have to hope that there will always be music lovers and fans, and if you're making good music they'll come and listen. And we'll keep playing."

Pre-Shrunk's reputation as a live powerhouse has resulted in the band getting to tour with the likes of Silverchair, Grinspoon and the Cruel Sea.

"Touring with Silverchair was a highlight," Morris says. "We were able to be completely irresponsible and run around like idiots - which we did. Playing to the crowds that Silverchair get was amazing. And the Cruel Sea are always fun - they don't mind a beer."

Regarding more recent shows, Morris is a little annoyed he missed out on the chance to see Jurassic 5 at Livid as Pre-Shrunk were playing at the same time.

"Your festival experience can totally depend on what time you play as to whether you love it or not," he says. "Festivals are like holding your breath and jumping in - you don't know how long you're going to last. It's bizarre."

Right now the band are looking forward to laying down some new tracks for an album to be released next year, as well as gearing up for the summer festival circuit.

"Everything's becoming easier and more comfortable," Morris says.

"If there's a saddle, it's starting to shape to us - to our individual butts."

PRE-SHRUNKWhere Annandale Hotel, 17 Parramatta Road, AnnandaleWhen Tonight, doors open 8pmHow much $12 at the doorBookings 9550 1078More information Supporting are the Hepcats and the BBQ